Information recording medium, information recording apparatus and method, and computer program

ABSTRACT

An information recording medium ( 100 ) is provided with: a record information area ( 106 ) to record therein record information; an edge portion area ( 104, 108, 109 ) which is located in at least one edge portion of the record information area; and a flag area ( 121 ) to record therein a first pre-record flag for indicating whether or not predetermined pre-information is pre-recorded in at least one portion of the edge portion area.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information recording medium, suchas a DVD, an information recording apparatus, such as a DVD recorder, aninformation recording method, and a computer program which makes acomputer as the information recording apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

As described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in an information recordingmedium, for example, such as a Compact Disc (CD) and a DVD, embossedpits or pre-marks are formed in advance in a necessity minimal area in alead-in area, in order to prevent illegal copying and falsification ofmanagement information or control information.

Alternatively, as described in Patent Document 3, as for the recordingoperation of a multilayer optical disc, there is a technology ofefficiently forming a buffer area for layer jump.

Moreover, as described in Patent Document 4, as for the recordingoperation of a single layer or multilayer optical disc, there is also atechnology of controlling a recording apparatus to perform the recordingoperation at higher speed in the case of recording information into alead-out area than in the case of recording information into a dataarea, in order to maintain compatibility with a Read Only Memory (ROM)disc and to reduce a time for recording the information into thelead-out area at the time of finalize processing.

Moreover, as described in Patent Document 5, there is also a technologyof controlling the recording apparatus to perform the high-speedrecording operation by changing the recording strategy of the recordinglaser in the case of recording the information into the lead-out area.

Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 6, there is a technology ofminimizing the length of the lead-out area while maintainingcompatibility with the ROM disc.

-   Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open NO.    2001-266362-   Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open NO.    2000-331412-   Patent document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open NO.    2002-170339-   Patent document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open NO.    2001-176079-   Patent document 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open    NO.2003-151133-   Patent document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open NO.    2003-157620

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Subject to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the case of the single layer optical disc, it is only thelead-in area that its start position or the like is determined. Since astart position of the lead-out area cannot be determined, the embossedpits or the pre-marks cannot be formed in advance therein.

Moreover, as for the recording operation of the single layer ormultilayer optical disc, sync information and address information arealso recorded at the same time of the data recording in order tomaintain compatibility with the general ROM disc, and the recording inthe lead-out area is performed at the time of the finalize processing.Thus, there is such a technical problem that even if the length of thelead-out area is reduced or the high-speed recording is performed in thelead-out area, it is inevitable that it takes time to perform therecording in the lead-out area.

In addition, there is also such a technical problem that the advancedcontrol of the recording apparatus is essential in order to make thelength of the lead-out area variable and to perform the high-speedrecording in the lead-out area.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aninformation recording medium, an information recording apparatus, aninformation recording method, and a computer program, in whichinformation can be efficiently recorded onto the information recordingmedium, for example, and which can reduce a recording time.

Means for Solving the Subject

(Information Recording Medium)

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation recording medium provided with: a record information area torecord therein record information; an edge portion area adjacent to atleast one edge portion of the record information area; and a flag areato record therein a first pre-record flag for indicating whether or notpredetermined pre-information is pre-recorded in at least one portion ofthe edge portion area.

According to the information recording medium of the present invention,it is possible to record the record information, such as videoinformation, audio information and the like, into the record informationarea. Moreover, the edge portion area is located adjacent to one edge orboth edges of the record information area.

The edge portion area is provided in order to prevent laser light frommoving out of the record information area, which is one purpose, insearching over the recording surface of the information recording mediumby an optical pickup of an information recording apparatus describedlater. Namely, if the structure of the edge portion area or the like isnot provided, the laser light irradiated from the optical pickup may beout of the record information area. As a result, the information cannotbe read by the irradiation of the laser light which may lead to therunaway of the subsequent operation of the optical pickup. However, ifthe edge portion area is provided and some information is recorded inthe edge portion area, the above-mentioned disadvantage does not occur.

In particular, the information recording medium of the present inventionis provided with the flag area to record therein the first pre-recordflag for indicating whether or not the pre-information is pre-recordedin the edge portion area (or at least one portion thereof). The firstpre-record flag particularly indicates whether or not thepre-information is pre-recorded by a user of the information recordingmedium of the present invention (or by an information recordingapparatus owned by the user). Moreover, the pre-information ispre-recorded into an area portion of the edge portion area in which thepre-information is to be pre-recorded. For example, the pre-informationis pre-recorded into a part or all of the area portion out of the edgeportion area, to a degree in which the runaway of the operation of theoptical pickup can be prevented, as described above, for example.Therefore, it is unnecessary to pre-record the pre-information over theentire edge portion area.

With respect to the information recording medium of the presentinvention, if the pre-information is pre-recorded in the edge portionarea before the recording of the record information into the recordinformation area, for example, it is unnecessary to record someinformation again into the edge portion area in the finalize processing.Namely, the pre-information can be pre-recorded into the edge portionarea as the some information before the finalize processing, so that itis possible to reduce a time required for the finalize processing. As aresult, it is possible to realize the recording operation, moreefficiently. The fact that the pre-information is pre-recorded can berecognized owing to the first pre-record flag, relatively easily.

Consequently, according to the information recording medium of thepresent invention, it is possible to efficiently record the informationonto the information recording medium, and it is possible to reduce arecording time.

The “pre-recording” herein indicates recording the pre-informationbefore the finalize processing. In the actual pre-recording, the sameoperation is performed as the normal recording of the recordinformation.

In one aspect of the information recording medium of the presentinvention, it is further provided with a position information area torecord therein position information for indicating a position of an areaportion of the edge portion area in which the pre-information is alreadypre-recorded.

According to this aspect, even if the pre-recording is stopped, it ispossible to recognize a position where the pre-recording is stopped,relatively easily. Therefore, it is unnecessary to pre-record thepre-information into the edge portion area at a time, it is possible toperform the pre-recording in a plurality of times stepwise in the casethat it is convenient for the user and the information recordingapparatus or the like. For example, if it is necessary to record therecord information during the pre-recording of the pre-information or inthe similar case, it is possible to record the position information(e.g. address information or the like) of the area portion in which thepre-information is already pre-recorded into the position informationarea. By referring to the position information, it is possible topreferably restart the pre-recording from the position indicated by theposition information. By this, it is possible to perform the recordingoperation, more efficiently.

In another aspect of the information recording medium of the presentinvention, it is further provided with a position information area torecord therein position information for indicating a position of anend-edge portion of an area portion of the edge portion area in whichthe pre-information is already pre-recorded.

According to this aspect, even if the pre-recording is stopped, it ispossible to recognize a position where the pre-recording is stopped,relatively easily. Therefore, it is unnecessary to pre-record thepre-information into the edge portion area at a time, it is possible toperform the pre-recording in a plurality of times stepwise in the casethat it is convenient for the user and the information recordingapparatus or the like (e.g. a processing load is small) In particular,the position information of the end-edge portion of the area portion ofthe edge portion area in which the pre-information is alreadypre-recorded (e.g. a border portion of the recording area in which thepre-information is pre-recorded and the recording area in which thepre-information is not pre-recorded) is recorded, so that it is possibleto preferably restart the pre-recording of the pre-information from theposition where the pre-recording is stopped, which is indicated by theposition information. By this, it is possible to perform the recordingoperation, more efficiently.

In another aspect of the information recording medium of the presentinvention, the flag area is located in a recording management area towhich a second pre-record flag is copied or in vicinity of the recordingmanagement area, the second pre-record flag indicating whether or notthe pre-information is pre-recorded by a manufacturer of the informationrecording medium According to this aspect, the flag area is located inthe recording management area to which the second pre-record flag iscopied. Therefore, the information recording apparatus, which refers tothe first pre-record flag recorded in the flag area, can treat the flagwithout distinguishing that it is the first pre-record flag forindicating whether or not the pre-information is pre-recorded by theuser or that it is a copy of the second pre-record flag for indicatingwhether or not the pre-information is pre-recorded by the manufacturer(or maker). Therefore, if the flag area is provided in this place, eventhe existing information recording apparatus can preferably read thefirst pre-record flag, which is an advantage. Obviously, it is possibleto receive the above-mentioned benefits even if the flag area is locatedin vicinity of the recording management area.

In another aspect of the information recording medium of the presentinvention, the edge portion area is at least one of a lead-in area, alead-out area, and a middle area, each of which is located in the atleast one edge portion.

According to this aspect, it is possible to receive the above-mentionedbenefits, with respect to the wide-spread optical disc, such as a DVDand a CD.

In another aspect of the information recording medium of the presentinvention, the information recording medium has a plurality of recordinglayers, each of which comprises the recoding information area and theedge portion area, and the flag area is provided for at least one of theplurality of recording layers.

By such construction, even if the plurality of recording layers areprovided, it is unnecessary to provide the flag area for each recordinglayer. Namely, at least one flag area which is common in the pluralityof recording layers may be provided for at least one recording layer.Thus, it is possible to make a recording capacity required for theprovision of the flag area relatively small, and it is possible toefficiently use the recording capacity of the information recordingmedium as a whole.

(Information Recording Apparatus)

The above object of the present invention can be also achieved by aninformation recording apparatus for recording record information onto aninformation recording medium provided with: a record information area torecord therein the record information; an edge portion area adjacent toat least one edge portion of the record information area; and a flagarea to record therein a first pre-record flag for indicating whether ornot predetermined pre-information is pre-recorded in at least oneportion of the edge portion area (i.e. the above-mentioned informationrecording medium of the present invention (including its variousaspects)), the information recording apparatus provided with: apre-recording device for pre-recording the pre-information into at leastone portion of the edge portion area before the recording of the recordinformation; a flag recording device for recording the first pre-recordflag for indicating whether or not the pre-information is pre-recordedby the pre-recording device, into the flag area; and an informationrecording device for recording the record information into the recordinformation area.

According to the information recording apparatus of the presentinvention, by the operation of the pre-recording device, thepre-information is pre-recorded into at least one portion of the edgeportion area (i.e. the area portion out of the edge portion area inwhich the pre-information is to be recorded). Then, if thepre-information is recorded into at least one portion of the edgeportion area, by the operation of the flag recording device, the firstpre-record flag is recorded into the flag area.

At this time, after the recording of the record information into therecord information area by the operation of the information recordingdevice is ended, the finalize processing is performed with respect tothe information recording medium in order to ensure compatibility withan reproduction-only information reproducing apparatus. Namely, asdescribed above, some information is recorded into the edge portionarea. At this time, since the pre-information is pre-recorded in theedge portion area by the operation of the pre-recording device beforethe finalize processing, it is unnecessary to record some informationinto the edge portion area in the finalize processing. Alternatively,even if there is a need to record some information into the edge portionarea, it is enough to record a relatively small size of information, ascompared to the case where the pre-information is not pre-recorded atall. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a time required for thefinalize processing, to thereby realize the efficient recordingoperation.

In addition, by the operation of the flag recording device, the firstpre-record flag for indicating that the pre-information is pre-recordedin the edge portion area is recorded. Thus, by referring to the firstpre-record flag, it is possible to recognize that the pre-information ispre-recorded in the edge portion area, relatively easily.

Consequently, according to the information recording apparatus of thepresent invention, it is possible to efficiently record the recordinformation onto the information recording medium, and it is possible toreduce a recording time.

Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the informationrecording medium of the present invention described above, theinformation recording apparatus of the present invention can adoptvarious aspects.

In one aspect of the information recording apparatus of the presentinvention, it is further provided with a position information recordingdevice for recording position information for indicating a position ofan area portion of the edge portion area in which the pre-information isalready pre-recorded.

According to this aspect, even if the pre-recording is stopped, it ispossible to recognize a position where the pre-recording is stopped,relatively easily. Therefore, it is unnecessary to pre-record thepre-information into the edge portion area at a time, it is possible toperform the pre-recording in a plurality of times stepwise in the casethat it is convenient for the user and the information recordingapparatus or the like. For example, if it is necessary to record therecord information during the pre-recording of the pre-information or inthe similar case, it is possible to record the position information(e.g. address information or the like) of the area portion in which thepre-information is already pre-recorded into the position informationarea by the operation of the position information recording device. Byreferring to the position information, it is possible to preferablyrestart the pre-recording from the position where the pre-recording isstopped. By this, it is possible to perform the recording operation,more efficiently.

In another aspect of the information recording apparatus of the presentinvention, it is further provided with a position information recordingdevice for recording position information for indicating a position ofan end-edge portion of an area portion of the edge portion area in whichthe pre-information is already pre-recorded.

According to this aspect, even if the pre-recording is stopped, it ispossible to recognize a position where the pre-recording is stopped,relatively easily. Therefore, it is unnecessary to pre-record thepre-information into the edge portion area at a time, it is possible toperform the pre-recording in a plurality of times stepwise in the casethat it is convenient for the user and the information recordingapparatus or the like. In particular, the position information of theend-edge portion of the area portion of the edge portion area in whichthe pre-information is already pre-recorded (e.g. a border portion ofthe recording area in which the pre-information is pre-recorded and therecording area in which the pre-information is not pre-recorded) isrecorded, so that it is possible to preferably restart the pre-recordingof the pre-information from the position where the pre-recording isstopped, which is indicated by the position information. By this, it ispossible to perform the recording operation, more efficiently.

In another aspect of the information recording apparatus of the presentinvention, it is further provided with a stopping device for stoppingthe pre-recording of the pre-information if the recording of the recordinformation by the information recording device is started during thepre-recording of the pre-information by the pre-recording device, thepre-recording device restarting the pre-recording of the pre-informationafter the recording of the record information by the informationrecording device is ended.

According to this aspect, it is possible to stop the pre-recording ofthe pre-information depending on the recording of the recordinformation. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly change the recordingof the record information and the pre-recording of the pre-information,in accordance with the actual recording operation.

In another aspect of the information recording apparatus of the presentinvention, it is further provided with: a stopping device for stoppingthe pre-recording of the pre-information by the pre-recording device;and a verifying device for verifying the pre-information alreadypre-recorded after the stopping of the pre-recording by the stoppingdevice.

According to this aspect, by verifying the pre-recorded pre-information(i.e. by reproducing the pre-information and measuring the reproductionquality thereof or the like), it is possible to adjust variousparameters for the recording operation of the information recordingapparatus, as occasion demands. Therefore, it is possible to realize therecording operation, more preferably.

In this aspect, the pre-recording device may restart the pre-recordingof the pre-information after the verifying by the verifying device.

By such construction, it is possible to restart the pre-recording of thepre-information after the verifying. Therefore, even if the verifying isperformed, it is possible to receive the same various benefits as thoseof the information recording apparatus in the present invention.

In another aspect of the information recording apparatus of the presentinvention, the flag recording device records the first pre-record flagfor indicating that the pre-information is already pre-recorded, afterthe pre-recording of the pre-information is completed.

According to this aspect, the first pre-record flag for indicating thatthe pre-information is already pre-recorded is recorded into the flagarea after the pre-recording of the pre-information in the edge portionarea (particularly, in the entire area portion out of the edge portionarea in which the pre-information is to be recorded) is completed (i.e.ended). Therefore, by referring to the fist pre-record flag, it ispossible to recognize not only that the pre-information is recorded butalso whether or not the recording of the pre-information is completed.

In another aspect of the information recording apparatus of the presentinvention, the flag recording device records the first pre-record flaginto a recording management area to which a second pre-record flag iscopied or in vicinity of the recording management area, the secondpre-record flag indicating whether or not the pre-information ispre-recorded by a manufacturer of the information recording medium.

According to this aspect, the first pre-record flag is recorded in therecording management area to which the second pre-record flag is copied.Therefore, the information recording apparatus can refer to the flagwithout distinguishing that it is the first pre-record flag forindicating whether or not the pre-information is pre-recorded by theuser or that it is a copy of the second pre-record flag for indicatingwhether or not the pre-information is pre-recorded by the manufacturer(or maker). Therefore, if the first pre-record flag is recorded intothis place, even the existing information recording apparatus canpreferably read the flag area, which is an advantage. Obviously, it ispossible to receive the above-mentioned benefits even if the firstpre-record flag is recorded in vicinity of the recording managementarea.

In another aspect of the information recording apparatus of the presentinvention, the pre-recording device records the pre-information into atleast one of a lead-in area, a lead-out area, and a middle area, each ofwhich is located in the at least one edge portion as the edge portionarea.

According to this aspect, it is possible to receive the above-mentionedbenefits, with respect to the wide-spread optical disc, such as a DVDand a CD.

In another aspect of the information recording apparatus of the presentinvention, the information recording medium has a plurality of recordinglayers, each of which comprises the recoding information area and theedge portion area, and the flag recording device records the firstpre-record flag into at least one of the plurality of recording layers.

According to this aspect, even if the plurality of recording layers areprovided, it is unnecessary to provide the flag area for each recordinglayer. Namely, at least one flag area which is common in the pluralityof recording layers may be provided for at least one recording layer. Inother words, at least one first pre-record flag which is common in theplurality of recording layers may be recorded into at least onerecording layer. Thus, it is possible to make a recording capacityrequired for recording of the first pre-recorded flag, relatively small,and it is possible to efficiently use the recording capacity of theinformation recording medium as a whole.

(Information Recording Method)

The above object of the present invention can be also achieved by aninformation recording method of recording record information onto aninformation recording medium provided with: a record information area torecord therein the record information; an edge portion area adjacent toat least one edge portion of the record information area; and a flagarea to record therein a first pre-record flag for indicating whether ornot predetermined pre-information is pre-recorded in at least oneportion of the edge portion area (i.e. the above-mentioned informationrecording medium of the present invention (including its variousaspects)), the information recording method provided with: apre-recording process of pre-recording the pre-information into at leastone portion of the edge portion area before the recording of the recordinformation; a flag recording process of recording the first pre-recordflag for indicating whether or not the pre-information is pre-recordedby the pre-recording device, into the flag area; and an informationrecording process of recording the record information into the recordinformation area.

According to the information recording method of the present invention,it is possible to receive the same benefits as those of the informationrecording apparatus of the present invention.

Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the informationrecording apparatus of the present invention described above, theinformation recording method of the present invention can adopt variousaspects.

(Computer Program)

The above object of the present invention can be also achieved by acomputer program making a computer function as at least one portion ofthe information recording apparatus of the present invention (includingits various aspects). Specifically, the computer program makes thecomputer function as at least one portion of the pre-recording device,the flag recording device, and the information recording device.

According to the computer program of the present invention, theinformation recording apparatus of the present invention can be embodiedrelatively readily, by loading the computer program from a recordingmedium for storing the computer program, such as a ROM (Read OnlyMemory), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc - Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (DVD ReadOnly Memory), a hard disk or the like, into the computer, or bydownloading the computer program into the computer via a communicationdevice.

Incidentally, in response to various aspects in the informationrecording apparatus of the present invention, the computer program ofthe present invention can also adopt various aspects.

The above object of the present invention can be also achieved by acomputer program product in a computer-readable medium for tangiblyembodying a program of instructions executable by a computer in theinformation recording apparatus of the present invention (including itsvarious aspects), to make the computer function as at least one portionof the pre-recording device, the flag recording device, and theinformation recording device.

According to the computer program product of the present invention, theinformation recording apparatus of the present invention can be embodiedrelatively readily, by loading the computer program product from arecording medium for storing the computer program product, such as a ROM(Read Only Memory), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc—Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM(DVD Read Only Memory), a hard disk or the like, into the computer, orby downloading the computer program product, which may be a carrierwave, into the computer via a communication device. More specifically,the computer program product may include computer readable codes tocause the computer (or may comprise computer readable instructions forcausing the computer) to function as the information recording apparatusdescribed above.

Incidentally, in response to various aspects in the informationrecording apparatus of the present invention, the computer programproduct of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

The nature, utility, and further features of this invention will be moreclearly apparent from the following detailed description with referenceto preferred embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings briefly described below.

As explained above, according to the information recording medium of thepresent invention, it is provided with the record information area, theedge portion area, and the flag area. Therefore, it is possible toefficiently record the information onto the information recordingmedium, and it is also possible to reduce a recording time.

According to the information recording apparatus of the presentinvention, it is provided with the pre-recording device, the flagrecording device, and the information recording device. According to theinformation recording method of the present invention, it is providedwith the pre-recording process, the flag recording process, and theinformation recording process. Therefore, it is possible to efficientlyrecord the information onto the information recording medium, and it isalso possible to reduce a recording time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 are a substantial plan view showing the basic structure of anoptical disc having a plurality of record areas in an embodiment of aninformation record medium of the present invention, and a schematiccross sectional view of the optical disc and a corresponding conceptualdiagram showing a record area structure in the radial direction;

FIG. 2 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing a data structurerelated to an optical disc with one recording layer out of the opticaldiscs according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing one datastructure related to an optical disc with two recording layers out ofthe optical discs according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing another datastructure related to the optical disc with two recording layers out ofthe optical discs according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 5 are data structure diagrams conceptually showing a user pre-flagrecorded onto the optical disc according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing address information of theoptical disc according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a specific datastructure of an optical disc according to a modified example;

FIGS. 8 are data structure diagrams conceptually showing addressinformation recorded in an address recording area provided for theoptical disc according to the modified example;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an information recording/reproducingapparatus, as being an embodiment of an information recording apparatusof the present invention, and a host computer;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart conceptually showing an entire flow of a firstrecording operation of the information recording/reproducing apparatusaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart conceptually showing an entire flow of a secondrecording operation of the information recording/reproducing apparatusaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart conceptually showing a flow of an operation ofjudging whether or not pre-data is pre-recorded, in the informationrecording/reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 13 are explanatory diagrams conceptually showing the state of thepre-recording of pre-information in the second recording operation;

FIG. 14 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing an aspect ofadditional or postscript recording of the pre-information in the secondrecording operation; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart conceptually showing an entire flow of a thirdrecording operation of the information recording/reproducing apparatusaccording to the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CODES

-   100 optical disc-   104 lead-in area-   106 user data area-   108 lead-out area-   109 middle area-   112 RMA-   113 control data zone-   121 flag area-   122 address recording area-   300 information recording/reproducing apparatus-   352 optical pick up-   353 signal recording/reproducing device-   354 CPU

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention willbe discussed in order for each embodiment, with reference to thedrawings.

The embodiments of the present invention will be explained withreference to the drawings hereinafter.

(Information Recording Medium)

With reference to FIG. 1 to FIGS. 8, an information recording medium inan embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

(1) Basic Structure

At first, with reference to FIG. 1, the basic structure of an opticaldisc in the embodiment of the information record medium of the presentinvention will be explained. FIG. 1 shows the structure of an opticaldisc having a plurality of areas on the upper side in a substantial planview in association with the structure of the areas in the radialdirection on the lower side in a conceptual diagram.

As shown in FIG. 1, an optical disc 100 is recordable in variousrecoding methods, such as a magneto optical method and a phase changingmethod, in which it is possible to record (or write) data a plurality oftimes or only once. The optical disc 100 has a recording surface on thedisc main body, which is about 12 cm in diameter, as is the DVD. On therecording surface, the optical disc 100 is provided with: a lead-in area104; a user data area 106; and a lead-out area 108, with a center hole102 as the center, in the direction from the inner circumference to theouter circumference. Incidentally, the user data area 106 constitutesone specific example of the “record information area” of the presentinvention, and the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 (or amiddle area 109 described later) constitute one specific example of the“edge portion area” of the present invention. In each area, groovetracks GT and land tracks LT are alternately placed, spirally orcoaxially, with the center hole 102 as the center, for example. Thesegroove tracks GT may be wobbled, and pre-pits may be formed on either orboth of the groove tracks GT and the land tracks LT.

Incidentally, the present invention is not specially limited to theoptical disc having these three areas. For example, even if there is nolead-in area 104 nor lead-out area 108, a file structure described latercan be constructed. Moreover, the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area108 may be further segmentalized.

Moreover, the optical disc 100 in the embodiment is not limited to anoptical disc with one recording layer, but may be a two-layer singlesided (i.e. a dual layer) disc or a two-layer double sided (i.e. a duallayer double sided) disc. Moreover, the optical disc 100 is not limitedto an optical disc with two recording layers, but may be a multilayeroptical disc with three or more recording layers.

(2) Data Structure

Next, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the specific data structure ofthe information recording medium in the embodiment will be explained. Atfirst, the specific data structure will be explained with reference toFIG. 2 to FIG. 4, and then explained in more detail with reference toFIGS. 5 and FIG. 6, as occasion demands. FIG. 2 conceptually shows adata structure related to an optical disc with one recording layer outof the optical discs according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 conceptuallyshows one data structure related to an optical disc with two recordinglayers out of the optical discs according to the embodiment. FIG. 4conceptually shows another data structure related to the optical discwith two recording layers out of the optical discs according to theembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the lead-in area 104 of the optical disc 100,there are provided: a Power Calibration Area (PCA) 111; a RecordingManagement Area (RMA) 112; and a control data zone 113.

Into the PCA 111, an Optimum Power Control (OPC) pattern is recorded atthe time of OPC processing. By reproducing the recorded OPC pattern, itis possible to calculate an optimum power in recording the data onto theoptical disc 100.

Into the RMA 112, management information (RMD: Recording ManagementData) is recorded, which is for managing a recording operation inrecording predetermined data onto the optical disc 100. The RMA 112constitutes one example of the “recording management area” of thepresent invention.

In particular, in the embodiment, the RMA 112 is provided with a flagarea 121. Into the flag area 121, a user pre-flag is recorded, whichindicates whether or not pre-data (e.g. “00h” data etc.) is pre-recordedin the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 (or the middle area109 described later or one portion thereof. In particular, a userpre-flag for indicating whether or not the pre-data is recorded by auser of the optical disc 100 is recorded. Namely, the user pre-flagconstitutes one specific example of the “first pre-record flag” of thepresent invention.

Into the control data zone 113, control data is recorded, which is forcontrolling a recording operation of the data onto the optical disc 100or a reproduction operation of reproducing the data recorded on theoptical disc 100. Moreover, a maker pre-flag is recorded by themanufacturer (i.e. disc maker) of the optical disc 100, which is forindicating whether or not the pre-data is pre-recorded in the lead-inarea 104 and/or the lead-out area 108 (and/or the middle area 109described later), as a manufacturer code,. for example. The makerpre-flag constitutes one specific example of the “second pre-recordflag” of the present invention. In the embodiment, the pre-data is notpre-recorded by the manufacturer in the lead-in area 104 and/or thelead-out area 108 or the like of the optical disc 100. Thus, the makerpre-flag shows “0”, for example, which indicates, that the pre-recordingis not performed.

Then, the maker pre-flag is normally recorded into the RMA 112,particularly, at a recording position equal to the above-mentioned flagarea 121, when the optical disc 100 is loaded onto an informationrecording/reproducing apparatus. Namely, the maker pre-flag recorded inthe control data zone 113 at the time of factory shipment is copied(duplicated) into the RMA 112 at the time of loading. In other words,the flag area 121 in which the user pre-flag is recorded in theembodiment is normally located at the same recording position orsubstantially the same recording position as that of a copy destinationto which the maker pre-flag is copied at the time of loading the opticaldisc.

Moreover, as for an optical disc 100 a with two recording layers (i.e.the optical disc 100 a of an opposite track pass type) out of theoptical discs according to the embodiment, a L0 layer, which is thefirst recording layer, is provided with: a lead-in area 104; a user dataarea 104-1; and a middle area 109-1, in this order from the innercircumferential side to the outer circumferential side. A L1 layer,which is the second recording layer, is provided with: a lead-out area108; a user data area 106-2; and a middle area 109-2, in this order fromthe inner circumferential side to the outer circumferential side. Aswith the optical disc 100, the lead-in area 104 of the L0 layer isprovided with: a PCA 111; a RMA 112; and a control data zone 113, andmoreover, the RMA 112 is provided with a flag area 121. A user pre-flagrecorded into the flag area 121 of the optical disc 100 a indicateswhether or not pre-data is pre-recorded in the lead-in area 104, thelead-out area 108, the middle area 109-1, and/or the middle area 109-2(or one portion thereof).

As for an optical disc 100 b with two recording layers (i.e. the opticaldisc 100 b of a parallel track pass type) out of the optical discsaccording to the embodiment, a L0 layer, which is the first recordinglayer, is provided with: a lead-in area 104-1; a user data area 104-1;and a lead-out area 108-1, in this order from the inner circumferentialside to the outer circumferential side. A L1 layer, which is the secondrecording layer, is provided with: a lead-in area 104-2; a user dataarea 106-2; and a lead-out area 108-2, in this order from the innercircumferential side to the outer circumferential side. As with theoptical disc 100 b, the lead-in area 104-1 of the L0 layer is providedwith: a PCA 111-1; a RMA 112-1; and a control data zone 113, and thelead-in are 104-2 of the L1 layer is provided with: a PCA 111-2; and aRMA 112-2. Moreover, the RMA 112-1 is provided with a flag area 121. Auser pre-flag recorded into the flag area 121 of the optical disc 100 bindicates whether or not pre-data is pre-recorded in the lead-in area104-1, the lead-in area 104-2, the lead-out area 108-1, and/or thelead-out area 108-2 (or one portion thereof.

In the optical disc 100 a and the optical disc 100 b with the tworecording layers, the flag area 121 may be provided for each of therecording layers.

The user pre-flag recorded into the flag area 121, which is provided forthese optical discs 100, 100 a, and 100 b, will be specificallyexplained with reference to FIGS. 5. FIGS. 5 conceptually show the userpre-flag recorded onto the optical disc according to the embodiment.

The user pre-flag is provided in each of the lead-in area 104, thelead-out area 108, and the middle area 109. For example, in the case ofthe optical disc 100 shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 5A, the userpre-flag including two flags is recorded into the flag area 121, whereinthe two flags indicate whether or not the pre-data is pre-recorded ineach of the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108. If the flag forindicating whether or not the pre-data is pre-recorded in the lead-inarea 104 shows “1”, for example, the pre-data is recorded in the lead-inarea 104 (particularly, the entire area portion in which the pre-data isto be recorded). On the other hand, if the flag for indicating whetheror not the pre-data is pre-recorded in the lead-in area 108 shows “0”,for example, the pre-data is not recorded in the lead-in area 108(particularly, the entire area portion in which the pre-data is to berecorded).

In the case of the optical disc 100 a shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG.5B, the user pre-flag including four flags is recorded, wherein the fourflags indicate whether or not the pre-data is pre-recorded in each ofthe lead-in area 104, the lead-out area 108, the middle area 109-1, andthe middle area 109-2. In the case of the optical disc 100 b shown inFIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 5C, the user pre-flag including four flags isrecorded, wherein the four flags indicate whether or not the pre-data ispre-recorded in each of the lead-in area 104-1, the lead-out area 108-1,the lead-in area 104-2, and the lead-out area 108-2.

Incidentally, the lead-in area 104, the lead-out area 108, and themiddle area 109 may be regarded as one recording area, and the userpre-flag for indicating whether or not the pre-data is recorded in theone recording area as a whole may be recorded.

As described above, the optical disc 100 or the like in the embodimentis provided with the flag area 121, and the user pre-flag is recorded inthe flag area 121. Therefore, by referring to the user pre-flag, it ispossible to recognize whether or not the pre-data is pre-recorded in thelead-in area 104 and the like, relatively easily. If the pre-data ispre-recorded in the lead-in area 104 and the like before (or while)recording content data or the like, which includes video data and audiodata or the like, into the user data area 106, that can reduce a timerequired for the finalize processing of the optical disc 100 or thelike. Namely, at the time of the finalize processing, it is required torecord predetermined management data or dummy data (e.g. “00h” dataetc.) into the lead-in area 104, the lead-out area 108, and the middlearea 109, so that particularly, according to the embodiment, it ispossible to reduce a time required for the recording of the dummy data.

Moreover, the flag area 121 is equal to the recording position of thecopy destination to which the maker pre-flag is originally copied. Thus,loading the optical disc 100 even onto the existing informationrecording/reproducing apparatus does not cause a special disadvantage,which is greatly advantageous.

The pre-data does not always have to be recorded in the entire lead-inarea 104. For example, the pre-data may not be recorded into a recordingarea where the predetermined management data or the like does not needto be recorded at the time of finalizing (e.g. an R information zone, anextra border zone, or the like). In this case, the user pre-flagindicates whether or not the pre-data is recorded in the lead-in area104 except the recording area where the predetermined management data orthe like does not need to be recorded at the time of finalizing.Obviously, the same is true for the lead-out area 108 and the middlearea 109.

Incidentally, the position of the lead-in area 104, the lead-out area108, the middle area 109, or the like of the optical disc 100 or thelike in the embodiment (i.e. the position of the recording area intowhich the pre-data is to be recorded) is recorded as addressinformation, for example, by using a land pre pit. A specificexplanation will be given with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows theaddress information of the optical disc 100 a shown in FIG. 3. Theexplanation will proceed by taking the optical disc 100 a shown in FIG.3 as an example.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the L0 layer, a sector number in the recordingarea of the optical disc 100 increases from the inner circumferentialside to the outer circumferential side (i.e. in the order of the lead-inarea 104, the user data area 106-1, and the middle area 109-1). The factthat the lead-in area 104 corresponds to a recording area with sectornumbers equal to and less than “02FFFFh” is indicated by the land prepit or the like, for example. Moreover, the fact that the middle area109-1 corresponds to a recording area with sector numbers greater than“1AFFFFh” is indicated by the land pre pit or the like, for example. Onthe other hand, in the L1 layer, the sector number in the recording areaof the optical disc 100 increases from the outer circumferential side tothe inner circumferential side (i.e. in the order of the middle area109-2, the user data area 106-2, and the lead-out area 108). The factthat the lead-out area 108 corresponds to a recording area with sectornumbers greater than “FCFFEFh” is indicated by the land pre pit or thelike, for example. Moreover, the fact that middle area 109-2 correspondsto a recording area with sector numbers less than “E50000h” is indicatedby the land pre pit or the like, for example. Alternatively, the addressinformation or the like for indicating a recording area into which thepre-data is to be recorded, more specifically, may be recorded by theland pre-pit or the like. The pre-data is pre-recorded into the lead-inarea 104, the lead-out area 108 and the middle area 109 by aninformation recording/reproducing apparatus described later by obtainingthe address information.

For reference, all the sector numbers in the L0 layer and the L1 layerexplained above have a 15's complement number relationship in thehexadecimal notation. More specifically, a turn-around point in the L0layer (sector number “1AFFFFh”) and a turn-around point in the L1 layer(sector number “E50000h”) have the 15's complement number relationship.As a formal matter, the complement number of the “1AFFFFh” is obtainedby converting the sector number of “1AFFFFh” in the hexadecimal notationto a binary number of “000110101111111111111111”, inverting the bits to“111001010000000000000000”, and reconverting it to the “E50000h” in thehexadecimal notation. Moreover, with respect to the physical sectornumber, a Logical Block Address (LBA) is assigned, one to one. Morespecifically, for example, a LBA of “000000” corresponds to a sectornumber of “030000h”, and a LBA of “30FFEF” corresponds to the sectornumber of “FCFFEFh”. Thus, without aware of the physical sector number,a host computer can perform the recording operation and the reproductionoperation in accordance with the logical block address LBA managed by afile system which is recorded near the border of the user data area 106with the lead-in area 104.

(3) Modified Example

Next, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIGS. 8, the modified example of theinformation recording medium in the embodiment will be explained. FIG. 7conceptually shows a specific data structure of an optical discaccording to the modified example. FIGS. 8 conceptually show the addressinformation recorded in an address recording area provided for theoptical disc according to the modified example.

As with the optical disc 100, in an optical disc 100 c according to themodified example, the lead-in area 104 is provided with: a PCA 111; aRMA 112; and a control data zone 113. The RMA 112 is provided with aflag area 121.

In particular, in the optical disc 100 c according to the modifiedexample, the RMA 112 is further provided with an address recording area122 which constitutes one specific example of the “position informationarea” of the present invention. Into the address recording area 122, theaddress information of the end-edge portion of a recording area in whichthe pre-data is already recorded in the lead-in area 104 is recorded. Inother words, when the recording of the pre-data is stopped, the addressinformation of a recording area in which the pre-data is finallyrecorded is recorded. Namely, for example, if the pre-data is alreadyrecorded in a recording area with sector numbers equal to and less than“023FFFh” in the lead-in area 104 and if the pre-data is not recordedyet in a recording area with sector numbers equal to and greater than“024000h”, address information for indicating the sector number of“023FFFh” is recorded into the address recording area 122, as shown inFIG. 8A. Obviously, the same is true for the lead-out area 108 and themiddle area 109. For example, if the pre-data is already recorded in arecording area with sector numbers equal to and less than “F8FFFFh” inthe lead-out area 108 and if the pre-data is not recorded yet in arecording area with sector numbers equal to and greater than “F90000h”,address information for indicating the sector number of “F8FFFFh” isrecorded into the address recording area 122, as shown in FIG. 8A.

Moreover, if the pre-data is finally recorded in the entire recordingarea into which the pre-data is to be recorded in the lead-in area 104,for example, address information for indicating “02FFFFh” which is thesector number of the end-edge portion of the lead-in area 104 may berecorded in the address recording area 122, as shown in FIG. 8B.Alternatively, in this case, in order to indicate that the recording ofthe pre-data is ended (i.e. completed), address information forindicating a sector number of “00000h” may be recorded into the addressrecording area 122, as shown in FIG. 8C.

Moreover, if the pre-recording of the pre-data into the lead-out area108 is not started yet, the address information about the lead-out area108 may not recorded into the address recording area 122, as shown inFIG. 8D. It is obvious that the explanation shown in FIG. 8B to FIG. 8Dcan be applied to each of the lead-in area 104, the lead-out area 108,and the middle area 109.

As described above, by providing the address recording area 122 forrecording therein the address information, in addition to the flag area121 in which the user pre-flag is recorded, it, is possible to recognizeuntil which portion of the lead-in area 104 or the like the pre-data ispre-recorded, relatively easily. Therefore, it is possible to recognizewhether or not the pre-recording of the pre-data is completed,relatively easily, to thereby record the pre-data, more efficiently.Moreover, even if the pre-recording of the pre-data is stopped in themiddle, the address information for indicating the stopped position isrecorded in the address recording area 122. Thus, even after stoppingthe pre-recording, it is possible to restart the pre-recording of thepre-data from the stopped position, relatively easily and quickly.

In the optical disc 100 c provided with both the flag area 121 and theaddress recording area 122, if the pre-recording of the pre-data iscompleted, it is preferable to replace the user pre-flag, for example,from “0” to “1” and record it. Namely, if the pre-recording of thepre-data is stopped in the middle, it is preferable that the userpre-flag remains “0”. Namely, the completion of the pre-recording of thepre-data corresponds to the case that the user pre-flag recorded in theflag area 121 is “1” and the address information recorded in the addressrecording area 122 indicates “00000h”, as shown in FIG. 8B, or thesector number of the end-edge portion of the recording area in which thepre-data is to be pre-recorded, as shown in FIG. 8C.

In the modified example, the sector number is shown as one specificexample of the address information recorded into the address recordingarea 122; however, the present invention is not limited to this. Forexample, the address information may be indicated by the above-mentionedlogical block address, or by other information (e.g. a track number orthe like). Moreover, the address information may be indicated by anabsolute address value, or by a relative address value, such as anoffset address, for example.

(Information Recording/Reproducing Apparatus)

Next, with reference to FIG. 9 to FIG. 15, an informationrecording/reproducing apparatus will be explained, which is anembodiment according to the information recording apparatus of thepresent invention.

(1) Basic Structure

Firstly, with reference to FIG. 9, the structures of an informationrecording/reproducing apparatus 300 in the embodiment and a hostcomputer 400 will be explained. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing theinformation recording/reproducing apparatus in the embodiment and thehost computer. Incidentally, the information recording/reproducingapparatus 300 has a function of recording the record data onto theoptical disc 100 and a function of reproducing the record data recordedon the optical disc 100.

As shown in FIG. 9, the information recording/reproducing apparatus 300is provided with: the optical disc 100; a spindle motor 351; an opticalpickup 352; a signal recording/reproducing device 353; a CPU (drivecontrol device) 354; a memory 355; a data input/output control device306; and a bus 357. Moreover, the host computer 400 is provided with: aCPU 359; a memory 360; an operation/display control device 307; anoperation button 310; a display panel 311; and a data input/outputcontrol device 308.

The spindle motor 351 is intended to rotate and stop the optical disc100, and operates in accessing the optical disc 100. More specifically,the spindle motor 351 is constructed to rotate and stop the optical disc100 at a predetermined speed while receiving spindle servo, by anot-illustrated servo unit or the like.

The optical pickup 352 is provided with a semiconductor laser apparatusand a lens and the like in order to perform the recording/reproducingwith respect to the optical disc 100. More specifically, the opticalpickup 352 irradiates the optical disc 100 with laser light, as readinglight with a first power upon reproduction, and as writing light with asecond power with it modulated upon recording.

The signal recording/reproducing device 353 constitutes one specificexample of the “pre-recording device”, the “flag recording device”, andthe information recording device” of the present invention, and performsthe recording/reproducing with respect to the optical disc 100 bycontrolling the spindle motor 351 and the optical pickup 352. Morespecifically, the signal recording/reproducing device 353 is providedwith a laser diode (LD) driver, a head amplifier, and the like. The LDdriver drives the not-illustrated semiconductor laser apparatus built inthe optical pickup 352. The head amplifier amplifies the output signalof the optical pickup 352, i.e., the reflected light of the laser light,and outputs the amplified signal. More specifically, the signalrecording/reproducing device 353 drives the not-illustratedsemiconductor laser apparatus built in the optical pickup 352, so as todetermine the optimum laser power by the recording and reproductionprocessing of the OPC pattern, along with a not-illustrated timinggenerator, under the control of the CPU 354, at the time of the OPCprocessing.

The memory 355 is used in the entire data processing and the OPCprocessing on the information recording/reproducing apparatus 300,including a buffer area for the record/reproduction data, an area usedas an intermediate buffer when data is converted into the data that canbe used on the signal recording/reproducing device 353, and the like.Moreover, the memory 355 is provided with: a Read Only Memory (ROM) areainto which a program for performing an operation as a recording device,i.e., firmware is stored; a buffer for temporarily storing therecord/reproduction data; a Random Access Memory (RAM) area into which aparameter required for the operation of the firmware program or the likeis stored; and the like.

The CPU (drive control device) 354 is connected to the signalrecording/reproducing device 353 and the memory 355 via the bus 357, andcontrols the entire information recording/reproducing apparatus 300 bygiving instructions to various devices. In general, software or firmwarefor operating the CPU 354 is stored in the memory 355.

The data input/output control device 306 controls the data input/outputfrom the outside with respect to the information recording/reproducingapparatus 300, and stores the data into or extracts it from a databuffer on the memory 355. A drive control command, which is issued fromthe external host computer 400 (hereinafter referred to as a host, asoccasion demands) connected to the information recording/reproducingapparatus 300 via an interface, such as a SCSI (Small Computer SystemInterface) and an ATAPI (AT Attachment Packet Interface), is transmittedto the CPU 354 through the data input/output control device 306.Moreover, the record/reproduction data is also exchanged with the hostcomputer 400 through the data input/output control device 306.

The operation/display control device 307 performs the reception of theoperation instruction and display with respect to the host computer 400.The operation/display control device 307 sends the instruction ofrecording or reproducing by using the operation bottom 310, to the CPU359. The CPU 359 sends a control command to the informationrecording/reproducing apparatus 300 through the input/output controldevice 308 on the basis of the instruction information from theoperation/display control device 307, to thereby control the entireinformation recording/reproducing apparatus 300. In the same manner, theCPU 359 can send a command of requiring the informationrecording/reproducing apparatus 300 to send the operation condition tothe host, to the information recording/reproducing apparatus 300. Bythis, it is possible to recognize the operation condition of theinformation recording/reproducing apparatus 300, such as duringrecording and during reproduction. Thus, the CPU 359 can output theoperation condition of the information recording/reproducing apparatus300, to the display panel 311, such as a fluorescent tube and a LCD,through the operation/display control device 307.

The memory 360 is an inner storage device used by the host computer 400,and is provided with: a ROM area into which a firmware program, such asBIOS (Basic Input/Output System), is stored; and a RAM area into which aparameter required for the operation of an operating system, anapplication program, or the like is stored; and the like. The memory 360may be also connected to a not-illustrated external storage device, suchas a hard disk, through the input/output control device 308.

One specific example in which the information recording/reproducingapparatus 300 and the host computer 400, as explained above, are usedtogether is household equipment, such as recorder equipment forrecording/reproducing a video. The recorder equipment records a videosignal from a broadcast reception tuner and an external connectionterminal, onto a disc, and outputs the video signal reproduced from thedisc, to external display equipment, such as a television. The operationas the recorder equipment is performed by executing a program stored inthe memory 360, on the CPU 359. Moreover, in another specific example,the information recording/reproducing apparatus 300 is a disc drive(hereinafter referred to as a drive, as occasion demands), and the hostcomputer 400 is a personal computer or a workstation. The host computer400, such as the personal computer, and the disc drive are connected toeach other through the data input/output control devices 306 and 308,such as the SCSI and the ATAPI. An application, such as writingsoftware, which is installed in the host computer 400, controls the discdrive.

(2) First Recording Operation Example

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the first recording operation by theinformation recording/reproducing apparatus in the embodiment will beexplained. FIG. 10 conceptually shows an entire flow of the firstrecording operation.

The first recording operation example is an aspect of the recordingoperation of recording the data onto the optical disc 100 shown in FIG.2 (or the optical disc 100 a shown in FIG. 3 or the optical disc 100 bshown in FIG. 4). In particular, it is an aspect of the recordingoperation of pre-recording the pre-data into the lead-in area 104 or thelike at a time (i.e. without stopping) before recording the data intothe user data area 106.

As shown in FIG. 10, at first, the optical disc 100 is loaded onto theinformation recording/reproducing apparatus 300 (step S101).

Then, under the control of the CPU 354, the OPC processing is performed(step S102). Namely, the OPC pattern is recorded into the PCA 111, andby measuring the reproduction quality of the recorded OPC pattern, theoptimum power of the laser light in recording the data is calculated.

Then, the pre-data is pre-recorded into each of the lead-in area 104 andthe lead-out area 108 (step S103). More specifically, the position ofeach of the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 (or a recordingarea where the pre-data is to be recorded in each of the lead-in area104 and the lead-out area 108) is obtained by reading the land pre-pit,and the pre-data is recorded at the position.

Then, under the control of the CPU 354, the user pre-flag is recordedinto the flag area 112 (step S104). Specifically, since the pre-data ispre-recorded in each of the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108in the step S103, the user pre-flag for indicating “1” is recorded intothe flag area 112. After that, video data, audio data, data for PC orthe like are recorded into the user data area 106 (step S105).

Then, under the control of the CPU 354, it is judged whether or not therecording operation is ended (step S106). Namely, it is judged whetheror not the recording of the data to be recorded is ended, or whether ornot an instruction of stopping the recording operation is given by auser.

As a result of the judgment, if it is judged that the recoding operationis not ended (the step S106: No), the operational flow returns to thestep S105, and the recording operation is continued.

On the other hand, if it is judged that the recoding operation is ended(the step S106: Yes), then, the finalize processing is performed (stepS107). Specifically, the user pre-flag recorded in the flag area 112 iscopied into an R information zone in the lead-in area 104, and spacebitmap data or the like for indicating the distribution of the data onthe optical disc 100 is recorded into an extra border zone in thelead-in area 104. Therefore, if the pre-data is pre-recorded into thelead-in area 104 in the step S103, the pre-data is not pre-recorded intothe R information zone and the extra border zone.

At this time, since the pre-data is already pre-recorded in the lead-inarea 104 and the lead-out area 108 in the step S103, it is unnecessaryto perform the recording operation of recording the dummy data or thelike (e.g. “00h” data etc.) into the lead-in area 104 and the lead-outarea 108, which is originally to be performed in the finalizeprocessing. Therefore, it is possible to greatly reduce a time requiredfor the finalize processing.

Moreover, the user pre-flag is recorded in the flag area 112 located inthe same or substantially the same recording area as a recording areainto which the maker pre-flag is originally to be copied. Thus, it isunnecessary to perform a special operation and processing in thefinalize processing. Namely, in the information recording/reproducingapparatus 300, it is unnecessary to distinctively treat the userpre-flag and the maker pre-flag. Thus, there is an advantage that it ispossible to properly finalize the optical disc 100 even on the existinginformation recording/reproducing apparatus.

Incidentally, at the time of loading the optical disc in the step S101,it may be judged whether or not the pre-data is already pre-recorded inthe lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 of the optical disc 100.Specifically, whether or not the pre-data is already pre-recorded may bejudged by referring to the user pre-flag recorded in the flag area 121in the RMA 112. For example, if the user pre-flag indicates “0”, it isjudged that the pre-recording is not performed yet. On the other hand,if the user pre-flag indicates “1”, it is judged that the pre-recordingis already performed. If it is judged that the pre-recording is alreadyperformed, the pre-recording in the step S103 may not be performed.Alternatively, if the optical disc 100 is loaded onto the informationrecording/reproducing apparatus 300 for the first time, it may be judgedthat the pre-recording is not performed yet, because the user pre-flagis not recorded in the flag area 121. If it is judged that thepre-recording is not performed yet, the pre-recording in the step S103may be performed.

Moreover, in addition to, or before, or in place of referring to theflag area 121 in the RMA 112, the maker pre -flag recorded in thecontrol data zone 113 may be referred to. Namely, it may be judgedwhether or not the pre-data is pre-recorded in the lead-in area 104 andthe lead-out area 108 by the manufacture of the optical disc 100. If itis judged that the pre-data is pre-recorded in the lead-in area 104 etc.by the manufacture of the optical disc 100 (i.e. if the maker pre-flagindicates “1”, for example), the maker pre-flag may be copied into theflag area 121 in the RMA 112 after the OPC processing. On the otherhand, if it is judged that the pre-data is not pre-recorded yet in thelead-in area 104 etc. by the manufacture of the optical disc 100 (i.e.if the maker pre-flag indicates “0”, for example), the pre-recording inthe step S103 (i.e. the pre-recording by a user) may be performed.

(3) Second Recording Operation Example

Next, with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 14, the second recordingoperation by the information recording/reproducing apparatus in theembodiment will be explained. FIG. 11 conceptually shows an entire flowof the second recording operation. FIG. 12 conceptually shows a flow ofan operation of judging whether or not pre-data is pre-recorded, in theinformation recording/reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment.FIGS. 13 conceptually show the state of the pre-recording ofpre-information in the second recording operation. FIG. 14 conceptuallyshows an aspect of additional or postscript recording of thepre-information in the second recording operation.

Incidentally, the second recording operation example is an aspect of therecording operation in which the pre-recording of the pre-data into thelead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 (or the middle area 109) ofthe optical disc 100 c is stopped in the middle before the completion ofthe pre-recording. The operation in common with the above-mentionedfirst operation example carries the same step number, and the detailedexplanation thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, at first, the optical disc 100 c is loaded onto theinformation recording/reproducing apparatus 300 (the step S101).

Then, the OPC processing is performed, under the control of the CPU 354(the step S102). Then, the pre-data is pre-recorded into each of thelead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 (the step S103).

During the pre-recording of the pre-data, it is judged whether or notthe pre-recording is stopped (step S201). For example, it is judgedwhether or not an instruction of recording the video data, the audiodata, the data for PC or the like into the user data area 104, is givenby a user or the command of the CPU 354 or 359.

As a result of the judgment, if it is judged that the pre-recording isnot stopped (the step S201: No), then, it is judged whether or not thepre-recording is ended (step S202). Specifically, it is judged whetheror not the pre-data is pre-recorded into the lead-in area 104 and thelead-out area 108 (specifically, the entire recording area in which thepre-data is to be recorded in each of the lead-in area 104 and thelead-out area 108).

As a result of the judgment in the step S202, if it is judged that thepre-recording is not ended (the step S202: No), the operational flowreturns to the step S103 again, and the pre-recording of the pre-data iscontinued. On the other hand, if it is judged that the pre-recording isended (the step S202: Yes), then, under the control of the CPU 354, theuser pre-flag is recorded into the flag area 112 (the step S104).

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in the step S201, if itis judged that the pre-recording is stopped (the step S201: Yes), theaddress information of the end-edge portion of the recording area inwhich the pre-data is already pre-recorded (i.e. the address informationfor indicating the position of the recording area in which thepre-recording is stopped) is recorded into the address recording area122 (step S203). In other words, when the recording of the pre-data isstopped, the address information or the like of the recording area inwhich the pre-data is finally recorded is recorded. Then, under thecontrol of the CPU 354, the user pre-flag is recorded into the flag area112 (the step S104). Specifically, since the pre-recording of thepre-data is stopped in the step S201 and the pre-recording is notcompleted, the user pre-flag for indicating “0” is recorded into theflag area 112.

Then, the video data, the audio data, the data for PC or the like isrecorded into the user data area 106 (the step S105).

Then, under the control of the CPU 354, it is judged whether or not thepre-recording of the pre-data is restarted (step S204). For example, inthe case that the pre-recording is stopped in the step S201 in order torecord the video data of a predetermined size into the user data area106, if the recording of the video data of the predetermined size iscompleted, it may be judged that the pre-recording is restarted.Alternatively, if there is no instruction of recording the video data,the audio data, the data for PC or the like into the user data area 106,it may be judged that the pre-recording is restarted.

As a result of the judgment, if it is judged that the pre-recording ofthe pre-data is restarted (the step S204: Yes), then, it is judgedwhether or not the pre-recording is completed (step S205). It is judgednot only whether or not the pre-data is recorded in the lead-in area 104and the lead-out area 108, but also whether or not the pre-data isrecorded in the entire recoding area in which the pre-data is to berecorded out of the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108. Thisjudgment operation will be explained in more detail with reference toFIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 12, at first, under the control of the CPU 354, theuser pre-flag recorded in the flag area 121 in the RMA 112 is referredto and it is judged whether or not the value of the user pre-flag is “1”(step S301).

As a result of the judgment, if it is judged that the user pre-flag is“1” (the step S301: Yes), it is judged that the pre-recording of thepre-data is completed (step S302). Namely, only when the pre-recordingis ended in the step S202 of FIG. 11, the user pre-flag for indicating“1” is recorded in the flag area 112. Thus, if the user pre-flagindicates “1”, it is judged that the pre-recording is ended (i.e.completed).

On the other hand, if it is judged that the user pre-flag is not “1”(i.e. the user flag is “0”) (the step S301: No), then, it is judgedwhether or not the address information is recorded in the addressrecording area 122 (step S303).

As a result of the judgment, if it is judged that the addressinformation is recorded in the address recording area 122 (the stepS303: Yes), it is judged that the pre-recording is not completed (stepS304). Namely, in this case, since the address information or the likefor indicating the position of the recording area in which thepre-recording is stopped is recorded in the address recording area 122,it is possible to judge that the pre-recording is not completed at leastat that time point as long as the address information is recorded.

Incidentally, as described above, if the pre-recording of the pre-datais completed, the sector number of “000000h” or the sector number of themost outer circumferential portion of the recording area in which thepre-data is to be recorded is recorded as the address information, forexample. Therefore, if the address information shown by these sectornumbers or the like is recorded, it is preferably judged that thepre-recording is completed. However, if the these sector numbers or thelike are recorded, the user pre-flag in the flag area 121 is “1”, sothat the address information shown by these sector numbers or the likeis not referred to in the step S303, normally.

On the other hand, if it is judged that the address information is notrecorded in the address recording area 122 (the step S303: No), it isjudged that the pre-recording of the pre-data is not performed yet (stepS305). Specifically, if the pre-recording of the pre-data is startedeven once, the address information or the like for indicating theposition of the recording area in which the pre-recording is stopped orthe address information for indicating the completion of thepre-recording (i.e. the sector number of “000000h” or the sector numberof the most outer circumferential portion of the recording area in whichthe pre-data is to be recorded, or the like) is recorded in the addressrecording area 122. Thus, the fact that the address information is notrecorded means that the pre-recording of the pre-data is not performedeven once, with respect to the currently loaded optical disc 100 c.

In FIG. 11 again, as a result of the judgment in the step S205, if it isjudged that the pre-recording is completed (the step S205: Yes), thepre-recording of the pre-data cannot be performed any more, so that theoperational flow returns to the step S106, and it is judged whether ornot the recording operation is ended.

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in the step S205, if itis judged that the pre-recording is not completed (or not performed yet)(the step S205: No), then, the address information of the recordingposition in which the pre-data is to be recorded is obtained (stepS206). Specifically, the address recording area 122 is referred to, tothereby obtain the address information recorded therein. Then, theoperational flow returns to the step S103, and the pre-recording of thepre-data is restarted from the recording position indicated by theaddress information obtained in the step S206.

Incidentally, even if the address information is not obtained again inthe step S206, the address information may be obtained in advance in thejudgment operation in the step S303 of FIG. 12. If it is judged that thepre-recording is not performed yet, the address information cannot beobtained in the step S206, so that the operation of obtaining theaddress information may be not performed.

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in the step S204, if itis judged that the pre-recording is not restarted (the step S204: No),then, under the control of the CPU 354, it is judged whether or not therecording operation is ended (the step S106). If it is judged that therecording operation is not ended (the step S106: No), the recordingoperation is continued. If it is judged that the recording operation isended (the step S106: Yes), the finalize processing is performed (stepS108).

In the finalize processing, if the pre-recording is not completed (ornot ended) in the step S104, the dummy data or the like is recorded intoan area portion in which the pre-data is not recorded out of the lead-inarea 104 and the lead-out area 108.

As described above, in the step S103 of FIG. 11, the pre-data ispre-recorded in the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 (or oneportion thereof). Therefore, as compared to the case that the pre-datais not pre-recorded, it is possible to reduce a time required for thefinalize processing, to thereby realize the efficient recordingoperation. Therefore, it is possible to receive the same benefits asthose in the first recording operation example.

In particular, in the second operation example, the pre-recording of thepre-data can be stopped, so that it is possible to flexibly perform therecording operation in accordance with the state at that time. As aresult, it is possible to realize the recording operation, moreefficiently. Moreover, since the address information for indicating therecording position where the pre-recording is stopped is recorded in theaddress recording area 122, it is possible to restart the pre-recording,quickly and preferably, by referring to the address information.

Now, the stop operation and the restart operation of the pre-recordingof the pre-data will be explained with reference to an actual datastructure shown in FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C.

As shown in FIG. 13A, it is assumed that the pre-data is recorded untila recording position with a sector number of “A” before thepre-recording is stopped. At this time, the address information recordedin the step S203 of FIG. 11 has the sector number of “A”, and the userpre-flag recorded in the step S104 of FIG. 11 is “0”. Therefore, even inthe judgment operation in the step S205 of FIG. 11, it is judged thatthe pre-recording is not completed.

Then, it is assumed that the pre-recording is restarted, and thepre-data is recorded until a recording position with a sector number of“B” as shown in FIG. 13B, before the pre-recording is stopped. At thistime, the address information recorded in the step S203 of FIG. 11 hasthe sector number of “B”, and the user pre-flag recorded in the stepS104 of FIG. 11 is “0”. Therefore, even in the judgment operation in thestep S205 of FIG. 11, it is judged that the pre-recording is notcompleted.

Then, it is assumed that the pre-recording is restarted, and thepre-data is recorded until a recording position with a sector number of“C” (i.e. the position of the end portion of the recording area in whichthe pre-data is to be recorded out of the lead-in area 104), as shown inFIG. 13C. At this time, the address information recorded in the stepS203 of FIG. 11 has the sector number of “C” or the sector number of“000000h”, and the user pre-flag recorded in the step S104 of FIG. 11 is“1”. Therefore, in the judgment operation in the step S205 of FIG. 11,it is judged that the pre-recording is completed.

As described above, in the second operation example, the pre-recordingis stopped, as occasion demands, and the user pre-flag is recorded intothe flag area 121, and the address information is recorded into theaddress recording area 122.

With reference to FIG. 14, one specific example of the link of a linkingposition in the sector will be explained in detail. Incidentally, onespecific example of the link will be explained in the case that thepre-data is pre-recorded again, following the recording position wherethe pre-recording is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 14, if the pre-data is newly pre-recorded (oradditionally recorded) in the rear of the recording area in which thepre-data is already recorded, linking (or overwriting) is performed inthe linking position in the sector. More specifically, it is assumedthat the pre-recording is already performed from “0” byte to “16” byteof a first sync frame out of 26 sync frames in a linking sector, forexample, which is located in the head of 1 ECC block (16 sectors) whichis mostly an unrecorded area and in which the pre-recording is newlyperformed. If the pre-recording is newly performed, the additionalrecording is started from the “16” byte between “15” byte and “17” byteof the first sync frame of the linking sector, for example.

As described above, the “16” byte of the first sync frame of the linkingsector which is located in the head of 1 ECC block is an area in whichoverwriting is performed by newly pre-recording, and it is referred toas the linking position. More specifically, for example, the linkingsector having an information amount of 2 KB is provided with 26 syncframes, and each sync frame is provided with: a sync signal part of “32”channel bits; and a data part of “1488” channel bits. There are eighttypes of sync signals, such as “SY0” and “SY5” in FIG. 14. A unique pairof sync frames can be specified by combining two of the sync signals.Thus, the information recording/reproducing apparatus 300 can control atwhich position in one sector the pre-recording is performed.

(4) Third Recording Operation Example

Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the third recording operation exampleby the information recording/reproducing apparatus in the embodimentwill be explained. FIG. 15 conceptually shows an entire flow of thethird recording operation.

Incidentally, in the third recording operation example, the reproductionquality on the optical disc 100 is inspected, or the initial setting ofthe information recording/reproducing apparatus is performed, or thelike, by verifying the pre-recorded pre-data in the pre-recording of thepre-data into the lead-in area 104, the lead-out area 108, and themiddle area 109.

As shown in FIG. 15, at first, the optical disc 100 c is loaded onto theinformation recording/reproducing apparatus 300 (the step S101).

Then, under the control of the CPU 354, the OPC processing is performed(the step S102). Then, the pre-data is pre-recorded into each of thelead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 (step S103). At this time,the pre-data having the size of several ECC blocks is pre-recorded, forexample. Then, the pre-recording is stopped, and the address informationof the end-edge portion of the recording area in which the pre-data isalready pre-recorded (i.e. the address information or the like forindicating the position of the recording area where the pre-recording isstopped) is recorded into the address recording area 122 (the stepS203). In addition, under the control of the CPU 354, the user pre-flagis recorded into the flag area 112 (the step S104). Since thepre-recording is not ended here, “0” is recorded as the user pre-flag.

Then, the pre-recorded pre-data is verified (step S401). For example,the reproduction quality of the pre-recorded pre-data (e.g. asymmetry, ajitter value, modulated amplitude, or the like) is measured. Then, onthe basis of the measurement result, the power and waveform of the laserlight irradiated by the optical pickup 352 may be adjusted, as occasiondemands, or various servo circuits may be adjusted. Alternatively,parameters or the like about the recording operation may be adjusted. Ifit is judged by the measurement result that the quality of the opticaldisc 100 c is bad, the optical disc 100 c may be regarded as adefective, and may not be used in the subsequent recording operation.

Then, the address information of the recording position in which thepre-data is to be recorded is obtained in order to restart thepre-recording after the verifying (the step S206). Then, thepre-recording of the pre-data is restarted from the recording positionindicated by the address information obtained in the step S206 (the stepS103). After the pre-recording is completed, under the control of theCPU 354, the user pre-flag is recorded into the flag area 112 (the stepS104). Since the pre-recording is ended here, “1” is recorded as theuser pre-flag.

Then, the video data, the audio data, the data for PC or the like arerecorded into the user data area 106 (the step S105). Then, under thecontrol of the CPU 354, it is judged whether or not the recordingoperation is ended (the step S106). Then, if it is judged that therecoding operation is not ended (the step S106: No), the recordingoperation is continued. If it is judged that the recoding operation isended (the step S106: Yes), then, the finalize processing is performed(the step S107).

As a result, as in the above-mentioned first recording operation exampleand second recording operation example, it is possible to reduce a timerequired for the finalize processing, to thereby realize the efficientrecording operation.

In particular, in the third recording operation example, the pre-datahaving the size of several ECC blocks is firstly pre-recorded, and then,the verify operation is performed by using the pre-recorded pre-data.Thus, it is possible to realize the recording operation, morepreferably.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the optical disc 100 is explained asone example of the information recording medium, and the recorderrelated to the optical disc 100 is explained as one example of theinformation recording apparatus. The present invention, however, is notlimited to the optical disc and the recorder thereof, and can be appliedto various information recording media, such as a high-density recordingmedium or a high transfer rate recording medium, and recorders thereofThe invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The information recording medium, information recording apparatus andmethod, and the computer program according to the present invention canbe applied to a high-density information recording medium such as a DVDand further applied to an information recording apparatus such as a DVDrecorder. Moreover, they can be applied to an information recordingapparatus or the like which is mounted on various computer equipment forconsumer use or for commercial use, or which can be connected to variouscomputer equipment.

1. An information recording medium comprising: a record information areato record therein record information; an plurality of edge portion areaseach of which is adjacent to at least one edge portion of said recordinformation area; and a plurality of flag areas each of which is torecord therein a pre-record flag for indicating whether or notpredetermined pre-information is pre-recorded in at least one portion ofcorresponding edge portion area of said plurality of edge portion areas.2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, furthercomprising a recording management area to record therein a managementinformation for managing a recording operation in recording the recordinformation, said recording management area including said plurality offlag areas.
 3. The information recording medium according to claim 2,wherein said recording management area comprises a position informationarea to record therein position information for indicating a position ofan area portion of each of said plurality of edge portion areas in whichthe pre-information is already pre-recorded.
 4. The informationrecording medium according to claim 42, wherein said recordingmanagement area comprises a position information area to record thereinposition information for indicating a position of an end-edge portion ofan area portion of each of said plurality of edge portion areas in whichthe pre-information is already pre-recorded.
 5. The informationrecording medium according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of edgeportion areas are a lead-in area, a lead-out area, and a middle area,each of which is located in the at least one edge portion.
 6. Aninformation recording apparatus for recording record information onto aninformation recording medium comprising: a record information area torecord therein the record information; an plurality of edge portionareas each of which is adjacent to at least one edge portion of saidrecord information area; and a plurality of flag areas each of which isto record therein a pre-record flag for indicating whether or notpredetermined pre-information is pre-recorded in at least one portion ofcorresponding edge portion area of said plurality of edge portion areas,said information recording apparatus comprising: a reading device forreading the pre-record flag recorded in the flag area; a pre-recordingdevice for pre-recording the pre-information into at least one portionof one edge portion area of said plurality of edge portion areas on thebasis of the pre-record flag; and a flag recording device for recordingthe pre-record flag for indicating whether or not the pre-information ispre-recorded into the one edge portion area into, into one flag area outof said plurality of flag areas which corresponds to the one edgeportion.
 7. The information recording apparatus according to claim 6,the information recording medium further comprising a recordingmanagement area to record therein a management information for managinga recording operation in recording the record information, said flagrecording device recording the pre-record flag into the one flag areadisposed in the recording management area.
 8. The information recordingapparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a positioninformation recording device for recording position information forindicating a position of an area portion of each of said plurality ofedge portion areas in which the pre-information is already pre-recorded,into the recording management area.
 9. The information recordingapparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a positioninformation recording device for recording position information forindicating a position of an end-edge portion of an area portion of eachof said plurality of edge portion areas in which the pre-information isalready pre-recorded, into the recording management area.
 10. Theinformation recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein saidpre-recording device records the pre-information into a lead-in area, alead-out area, and a middle area, each of which is located in the atleast one edge portion as said plurality of edge portion areas.
 11. Aninformation recording method of recording record information onto aninformation recording medium comprising: a record information area torecord therein the record information; an plurality of edge portionareas each of which is adjacent to at least one edge portion of saidrecord information area; and a plurality of flag areas each of which isto record therein a pre-record flag for indicating whether or notpredetermined pre-information is pre-recorded in at least one portion ofcorresponding edge portion area of said plurality of edge portion area,said information recording method comprising: a reading process ofreading the pre-record flag recorded in the flag area; a pre-recordingprocess of pre-recording the pre-information into at least one portionof one edge portion area of said plurality of edge portion areas on thebasis of the pre-record flag; and a flag recording process of recordingthe pre-record flag for indicating whether or not the pre-information ispre-recorded into the one edge portion area into, into one flag area outof said plurality of flag areas which corresponds to the one edgeportion.
 12. A computer program product in a computer-readable mediumfor tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by acomputer in an information recording apparatus, to make the computerfunction as at least one portion of a reading device, a pre-recordingdevice, and a flag recording device, said information recordingapparatus for recording record information onto an information recordingmedium comprising: a record information area to record therein therecord information; a plurality of edge portion areas each of which isadjacent to at least one edge portion of said record information area;and a plurality of flag areas each of which is to record therein apre-record flag for indicating whether or not predeterminedpre-information is pre-recorded in at least one portion of correspondingedge portion area of said plurality of edge portion areas, saidinformation recording apparatus comprising: said reading device forreading the pre-record flag recorded in the flag area; saidpre-recording device for pre-recording the pre-information into at leastone portion of one edge portion area of said plurality of edge portionareas on the basis of the pre-record flag; and said flag recordingdevice for recording the pre-record flag for indicating whether or notthe pre-information is pre-recorded into the one edge portion area into,into one flag area out of said plurality of flag areas which correspondsto the one edge portion.